Local News

Christ UMC celebrates centennial milestone

Congregation has resided at 4th and Main for 100 years

Members of Christ United Methodist Church begin the four-block trek from the church's site for the past 100 years on the corner of Fourth and Main streets to what is now Delgado's Dugout on Beech Street, reversing the path congregants took on April 20, 1913, from the site of their old church to their new address. As part of their centennial celebration, members and guests enjoyed a meal at the restaurant that occupies the congregation's former home. (Sara Waite / Sterling Journal-Advocate)

STERLING — 2013 is a banner year for Christ United Methodist Church.

The congregation celebrated Sunday the 100th anniversary of services on the corner of Fourth and Main streets. The event began with a breakfast reception with coffee cake. Members were invited to look over some items from the church's past, including photos and clippings as well as some children's items.

The reception was followed by a celebratory worship service. Special guests included Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky and her husband, Clint, and District Superintendent Skip Strickland, as well as some former pastors. In honor of the anniversary, the altar featured the lecturn, communion table and baptismal from the church's original sanctuary at the 104 S. Fourth St., which was damaged heavily by fire in 1977.

Following the worship, members and guests reversed the path the congregation took on April 20, 1913, when they met for Sunday School at their former church on the corner of Second and Beech streets, then walked the four blocks to the new church for the worship service. The old site is now home to Delgado's Dugout, where the congregation enjoyed a meal Sunday to wrap up the 100th anniversary celebration.

This year the church will also mark its 125th anniversary as a Sterling congregation. Plans for a celebration in September are underway.